Category: MiCare Champion Cast

Catching Up on All Things Healthcare with Tina Freese Decker

MiCare Champion Cast, Member News

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast exploring state and federal healthcare priorities with Tina Freese Decker, MHA, MSIE, FACHE, president & CEO, Corewell Health and 2025 chair of the American Hospital Association (AHA).

The episode, hosted by MHA CEO Brian Peters, explores healthcare innovation, affordability and how institutions like Corewell Health are bracing for the impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).”

“It’s very important to protect and strengthen our hospitals, but we can also look ahead and say, how do we drive healthcare forward to a future that can be more affordable, more exceptional and simpler?” posed Freese Decker. “We all want what is best for our neighbors. When we put people at the center, we can align around what needs to happen and where we need to go.”

Freese Decker leads more than 60,000 within the integrated health system and oversees Corewell Health’s provider-sponsored health plan, Priority Health, which serves 1.3 million members across Michigan.

During the conversation, Freese Decker noted her biggest concern with changes under the OBBBA will be the loss of access to primary care services for patients without healthcare coverage. She noted that embracing a preventative mindset and being mindful of healthcare costs will be critical.

“Our patients do hard things every day and we help them through that,” said Freese Decker. “We need to make sure we’re disrupting the status quo and challenging conventional wisdom. It’s going to be hard, but it’s also an opportunity to advance care and improve the lives of our teams and our communities…it will require significant change. We will not be able to do it the way we’ve always been able to do it.”

Peters and Freese Decker also explore the future of growing the healthcare workforce talent pipeline, the role technology will continue to play in hospitals and the importance of fostering new partnerships across industries.

The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud and YouTube. Questions or idea submissions for future MiCare Champion Cast episodes can be sent to Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Podcast Explores Healthcare Priorities with 2025-2026 Board Chair Bill Manns

Member News, MiCare Champion Cast

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast exploring what’s top of mind in healthcare as the 2025-2026 program year kicks off.

The episode, hosted by MHA CEO Brian Peters, features MHA Board Chair Bill Manns, president and CEO, Bronson Healthcare. Manns shares more about his journey to healthcare leadership, current priorities at Bronson and what work lies ahead for hospital leaders given recent activity at the state and federal level.

Since joining Bronson in 2020, Manns oversees a full range of services from primary care to critical care across more than 100 locations. Fellow officers of the 2025-2026 MHA Board of Trustees include Brittany Lavis, chair-elect; and Kent Riddle, treasurer, among many other hospital leaders across Michigan.

Manns noted during the discussion that addressing infant mortality and improving maternal health across the state remain key areas of focus for his team at Bronson Healthcare and hospital leaders across the state.

“Women of color have mortality rates during birth that is, at times, double or triple that of their white counterparts,” said Manns. “As soon as we’re born – without bias or prejudice – if we can get equality there, I think that’s a great footing to build and grow as a community and I think as a nation, quite frankly.”

Over the course of the interview, Peters and Manns discuss the impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)” on hospitals and patient access to care given cuts to Medicaid funding.

“One, we’ve got to do a better job of educating the public about just what’s coming,” said Manns when discussing how to approach the negative impacts of the OBBBA. “Two, we really have to advocate – even stronger – with our legislators…and three, I think we’ve really got to continue to be optimistic and not panic.”

They also explore the importance of 340B, efforts to address workplace violence and more.

The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud and YouTube. Questions or idea submissions for future MiCare Champion Cast episodes can be sent to Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

Addressing Hurdles for Behavioral Health Patients Seeking Care in the ED

MiCare Champion Cast

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast exploring the need to expand the pre-admission screening assessment for behavioral health providers.

Lauren LaPine, senior director of legislative & public policy, MHA, joined to provide insight on how Michigan continues to experience issues with timely access to behavioral health services. More specifically, LaPine shared how and why Medicaid patients experiencing a behavioral health crisis are often stuck in emergency departments (EDs) longer than those who are commercially insured.

Infographic illustrating the differing processes that commercially insured patients go through to be assessed for a behavioral health need compared to a Medicaid beneficiary.
Infographic illustrating the differing processes that a Medicaid beneficiary goes through to be assessed for a behavioral health need compared to a commercially insured patient.

Under the current guidelines, LaPine explained, there are a series of arduous steps needed in order to get patients with Medicaid coverage inpatient behavioral healthcare. One of the biggest hurdles is that following an assessment by ED clinicians, a patient with Medicaid must receive a secondary pre-admission screening from a community mental health (CMH) agency.

This process can take hours – if not days – to complete. Meanwhile, a patient needing the same level of care who is commercially insured is not required to have the pre-admission screening by a CMH.

Last year, there were more than 1.2 million emergency room visits where behavioral health was one of the reasons for care. LaPine noted that pediatric and geriatric patients board for the longest periods of time.

One proposed solution to alleviate the process is to expand the three-hour assessment responsibility to allow clinically qualified staff to conduct pre-admission screenings in order to improve the delivery of care for behavioral health patients in Michigan hospital EDs.

“Emergency departments across the state are well-equipped to complete the pre-admission screening to determine if someone needs inpatient psychiatric care,” said LaPine. “Implementing this change will really help us to expand the number of available healthcare personnel that are able and available to conduct that pre-admission screening…it also allows Medicaid patients to be assessed in a similar manner as patients that have commercial insurance.”

According to recent survey data, there are more than 155 patients waiting in a hospital emergency department for access to behavioral health services; Whether that is an assessment through a CMH agency, an inpatient bed or a transfer to a short-term, residential setting.

The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud and YouTube.

How Could Medicaid Cuts Impact Michigan?

Member News, MiCare Champion Cast
MiCare Champion Cast Header Photo

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast exploring how proposed reductions to Medicaid could disrupt access to care and harm Michigan hospitals, patients and communities.

Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations & public policy, MHA, first explored the history and purpose of Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan, which has been hailed a success for improving access to care, reducing the uninsured rate and supporting economic stability for families across the state.

Appel explained the potential impact of recent federal proposals, which include instructions to cut Medicaid by at least $880 billion over 10 years. Changes like block grants, per capita caps and reduced federal matching rates could lead to a staggering $1.73 billion shortfall in the state budget, jeopardizing access to healthcare for millions.

“Cutting funding is cutting care,” said Appel. “Not every hospital is on the financial footing it wishes it were and there are a lot of hospitals across the country that are already in difficult financial straits…this could be the reason that they close all together.”

Michigan hospitals are asking members of Congress to protect the Medicaid program and oppose proposed reductions. Appel noted those interested in helping with this effort and reaching members of Congress are encouraged to visit the MHA Legislative Action Center.

Listeners can also expect to learn more about the impact proposed cuts would have on rural healthcare and Michigan’s economy. The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud and YouTube.

Hospitals Help: Learning More About Street Medicine Oakland

Member News, MiCare Champion Cast

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast featuring Laura Ortiz, MD, Emergency Medicine Provider at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, exploring a collaborative effort that’s enhancing access to care for all communities.

The program, known as Street Medicine Oakland, is a collaborative effort between Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital and Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine that delivers free medical care to those experiencing homelessness in Oakland County.  

During the episode, Ortiz explains how the program came to be, how it works and the strong, positive impact it’s having on patients, providers and medical students.

“If you don’t see the barriers and what patients are experiencing, you can’t understand how hard it is to do what seems like a simple thing like calling your doctor or finding transportation,” said Ortiz, who serves as the assistant medical director for the program.

Unsheltered populations face higher rates of chronic illness, mental and behavioral health conditions, substance use disorder and emergency department admissions. With this in mind, Street Medicine Oakland is focused on addressing barriers to care and tackling medical mistrust.

Ortiz, who also serves as the director of faculty development and the hospital’s medical education fellowship, shares how being involved in Street Medicine Oakland has changed her approach to care delivery in the hospital.

“[This work] reminds you why you got into medicine,” said Ortiz. “Getting to help people, learn people stories, see what their life is like…it’s very meaningful and makes me a better doctor.”

Street Medicine Oakland received an MHA Ludwig Community Benefit Award in 2024 and was recently featured in the 2024 MHA Community Impact Report. Those interested in sharing hospital programming in Michigan that is having a strong community impact are encouraged to contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud and YouTube.

Dr. Ortiz received her bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College and is a graduate of the charter class of Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. She completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Indiana University where she served as chief resident in her final year. She completed a medical education fellowship at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, culminating in a Master of Health Professions Education from the University of Michigan.

MHA Podcast Explores Strategies to Enhance Workplace Safety, Security

Member News, MiCare Champion Cast

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast exploring the latest on healthcare workplace safety with Brian Uridge, MPA, CPP, CHPA, CTM, senior director at the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety and Security (DPSS).

Those working in healthcare are five times as likely to suffer a workplace violence injury. With this in mind, the episode covers what safety issues are top of mind and what strategies are enhancing security for patients, visitors and staff at Michigan Medicine.

“In order to keep a healthcare system safe, you really have to use the same philosophies and strategies that you would use to keep a community safe,” said Uridge, who previously served as assistant chief of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety for 23 years. “Every hospital is a community, every floor is a neighborhood and every neighborhood is uniquely different.”

Gov. Whitmer signed into law MHA-supported public acts in 2023 which have been a positive step towards ensuring violence against healthcare workers is not tolerated. The association continues to support efforts that address violence committed against healthcare providers and have made anti-violence posters available to members.

As a sworn police officer for the university, Uridge manages over 300 public safety staff members for a system that has 40,000 employees and sees over four million patients a year. In this role, it’s a priority to create a culture of safety beyond moments when Uridge and his team are responding to a security threat.

“The way you keep a healthcare community safe is by building a relationship with the patients, the staff and the visitors,” noted Uridge. “It’s ambassadors first, police officer second. Our job is to reduce risk and reduce anxiety…we do that by building trust.”

The episode explores the integral role of Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) for identifying and managing safety threats, in addition to the ways healthcare security is evolving with advancements in artificial intelligence.

All UM Health resources are available for hospitals and health systems to use to enhance safety and security protocol. Those interested in learning more or collaborating with the UM Health DPSS team are encouraged to contact Uridge.

MHA members are also encouraged to explore resources from MHA Endorsed Business Partner Tarian, which offers a variety of programs and trainings for healthcare organizations to mitigate risk and effectively respond to safety threats. Contact Rob Wood at the MHA to learn more.

The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud and YouTube.

Those interested in learning more about the MiCare Champion Cast can contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA. For more information on caregiver resources in Michigan, contact the MHA Keystone Center.

 

MHA Podcast Explores Resources for Family Caregivers

Member News, MiCare Champion Cast

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast for National Caregiver Month featuring Diane Mariani, LCSW, CADC, program manager for the department of social work and community health program at RUSH University Medical Center and Joshua Suire, MHA, BSN, RN, senior manager of safety & quality at the MHA Keystone Center.

One in five American adults – about 48 million individuals – are considered caregivers. With this in mind, the MHA Keystone Center is partnering with RUSH’s Center for Excellence in Aging to create an online learning series for hospitals interested in exploring how their staff can better integrate caregivers into a patient’s care team.

Throughout the episode, Suire and Mariani explore how the caregiving landscape has evolved and what resources are available to support caregivers in clinical and non-clinical settings. One of these tools includes a new learning module for hospitals looking to implement a caregiver navigation program within their organization, available to MHA members at no cost thanks to funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.

“We’re focused on caregivers…their unique needs, trying to decrease their burden and really trying to improve their quality of life,” said Suire, who leads clinical grant-funded initiatives that help hospitals implement evidence-based quality improvement and patient safety practices. “As a part of the program, [hospitals] can take a gap analysis online, which is then processed into an individualized report and gives tangible next steps for implementing a caregiver program.”

Mariani manages the RUSH Caring for Caregivers (C4C) program that supports family and friend caregivers of adults 60 years and older. Funded by the RRF Foundation for Aging, C4C uses an evidence-based framework to improve care for older adults and caregivers through education, resources and support.

“It can be very individualized,” noted Mariani. “We support caregivers where they’re at.”

During the discussion, Mariani shared the critical role RUSH’s caregiver advisory council plays in lending first-hand insight to inform and advance their programming.

“We meet on a regular basis for feedback on how we can best identify, assist and understand caregivers – and understand how it’s impacting their physical and mental health,” said Mariani, who also leads an initiative funded by the John A. Hartford Foundation that focuses on sharing the C4C model with age-friendly health systems, area agencies on aging and other key stakeholders nationwide.

Additionally, the MHA Keystone Center partnered with Henry Ford Health’s Caregiver Assistance Resources and Education (C.A.R.E) Program team and Wayne State University’s Institute of Gerontology to create the Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit – a resource to guide hospitals through operationalizing a caregiver support program within their systems.

Ongoing technical assistance and educational resources are available at no cost to MHA members interested in creating or expanding caregiver services.

The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud and YouTube.

Those interested in learning more about the MiCare Champion Cast can contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA. For more information on caregiver resources in Michigan, contact the MHA Keystone Center.

MHA Podcast Explores Why Voting Matters to Healthcare in Michigan

MiCare Champion Cast, Member News

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast featuring Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations & public policy, MHA, exploring why voting in the 2024 General Election is critical to Michigan’s healthcare future.

Appel kicked off the conversation sharing what health policy issues are top of mind at the MHA and what role the association plays when it comes to advocating for Michigan hospitals, health systems, patients and communities. She noted current priorities include a continued focus on strengthening the healthcare workforce, opposing harmful nurse staffing legislation and protecting the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

Later, Appel spoke about how voting directly influences healthcare at the local level and why eligible voters should get to the polls and engage with elected officials before, during and after the election cycle.

“Regardless of who’s in control, there are always healthcare champions on both sides of the aisle,” said Appel. “Those are the people who carry our message. Those are the people who help us get funding for rural labor and delivery services, those are the folks who help us get the Medicaid budget done every year.”

In addition to choosing our country’s next president, voters in Michigan will have a unique opportunity to decide on seats for the following political contests come Nov. 5, 2024:

  • One member of the U.S. Senate.
  • 13 Michigan members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • All 110 seats of the Michigan House of Representatives.
  • Two Michigan Supreme Court seats.

“Michigan is important,” Appel emphasized. “Michigan has a very strong voice…see if you can remove yourself from the hyper-partisan headlines. Your role is electing people who pay attention to healthcare, who care about healthcare, who care about hospitals having the resources that are necessary to take care of folks.”

The MHA is offering election communication materials geared toward hospital staff, volunteers, patients and visitors to encourage voter participation in the 2024 general election. Additionally, the MHA elections webpage offers relevant announcements and Race of the Week spotlights leading up to Election Day. Additional information regarding the 2024 General Election can be found on the Department of the State website.

The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud and YouTube.

Those interested in learning more about the MiCare Champion Cast can contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA. For more information or to request 2024 Election materials, visit the MHA Election webpage or contact the MHA.

What’s Ahead in Healthcare? Insights from the American Hospital Association

MiCare Champion Cast, Member News

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast featuring Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Pollack joined MHA CEO Brian Peters to discuss a variety of topics tied to past, present and future healthcare trends.

As the nation’s largest hospital and healthcare system membership organization, the AHA is one of our country’s most respected and effective advocacy organizations. Beyond his strong advocacy leadership, Pollack has been instrumental in addressing historic workforce challenges, expanding healthcare access, improving healthcare quality and safety, eliminating disparities in care and much more.

MHA CEO Brian Peters and Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the AHA, during the recording of the MiCare Champion Cast episode.

After sharing more about his journey to the AHA, Pollack explored the fundamental shifts he has seen within the national healthcare environment and what issues will be at the forefront through 2025, regardless of the outcome of the general election.

“We always work to be a resource to candidates on both sides [of the aisle] and make sure they have the information they need in terms of data and what our positions are,” said Pollack. “Regardless of the election, there are certain issues that are not going to go away,” he added, noting affordability, drug pricing, value-based payment, and insurer accountability as examples of bipartisan issues.

Pollack later shared the important role grassroot efforts play when it comes to healthcare advocacy at the local level.

“People should not be intimidated in terms of engaging their legislators,” said Pollack. “They work for you, and you could be a resource to them. I always used to try to explain to my kids what a lobbyist does – and part of it is being an objective educator on issues where you are the expert and they will look to you for their guidance and counsel…and as a former congressional staffer, don’t forget the staff.”

Peters and Pollack also discussed cybercrime, challenges and opportunities for rural hospitals, the importance of the 340B Prescription Drug Pricing Program and much more. The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud and YouTube.

Those interested in learning more about the MiCare Champion Cast can contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

Learn More About Munson Healthcare’s Ask-A-Nurse Program

Member News, MiCare Champion Cast

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast focused on Munson Healthcare’s innovative Ask-A-Nurse program. The free, 24/7 call center is staffed year-round by registered nurses and offers easy access to health-related information and triage services.

The episode features Bonnie Kruszka, DNP, FNP-C, ENP-BC, RN, Chief Operating Officer, Munson Physician Network, Chief Advanced Practice Provider, Munson Healthcare; and Allison Passinault, RN, BSN, Ambulatory Nursing Manager, Ask-A-Nurse and Centralized Nurse Triage.

As leaders of the program, Kruszka and Passinault share more about how Ask-A-Nurse came to be, how it works and how it has helped Munson and non-Munson patients make more informed healthcare decisions.

“Access to healthcare continues to rise to the top of our community needs assessment year after year,” said Kruszka, who served as a founder of the program and continues to oversee operations. “Sometimes that means physical access, but it can also relate to travel times, limited transportation or not having internet service.”

Since its inception, the nurse line has handled more than 178,000 calls with an average speed to answer of 36 seconds. The program was awarded a 2024 Ludwig Community Benefit Award, which is presented to MHA-member organizations integrally involved in collaborative programs to improve the health and well-being of area residents.

In addition to helping patients, it offers a unique, remote job opportunity in nursing.

“One of the many things I enjoy about working in rural healthcare is that we really do feel like one big community,” said Passinault. “It’s hard work, it can be exhausting at times, but the reward is great. It’s a worthwhile career – even in a virtual environment.”

To learn more, visit the Munson Healthcare website or call (231) 935-0951. Patients can also look to the Munson Healthcare Virtual Urgent Care for non-life-threatening conditions.

The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud and YouTube. Those interested in learning more about the MiCare Champion Cast can contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.